What Kind of Water to Use For Formula

When it comes to baby food, water seems to be one of the most straightforward issues to address. However, it is essential for parents to inform themselves about how simple ingredients used for formula can harm the baby.

Isn’t water for babies formula all the same as the one we drink? Well, it shouldn’t be. We tend to overlook the quality of the water we consume daily. We don’t know its precise composition and potential contamination.

Because we see water as a simple everyday ingredient, we remain uninformed about what actual chemicals and minerals can be found in it. However, there are ways to resolve this issue in a few simple steps.

You will need to check with your local water utility or health department on the quality of the local supply. Find out if you need to get a different supply or if you can boil or filter out the tap supply you have. If the local supply is unsafe, you need to find an alternative source.

We have prepared an in-depth text on any issues you might be dealing with when discussing the water you use for making baby formula.

Tap

Tap water is the most convenient and inexpensive option for parents. There are, however, several factors you need to check on beforehand.

First of all, see what your local source contains and whether it has a high concentration of any harmful chemicals and minerals. Remember that tap water will typically have plenty of bacteria, metals, and minerals which we are unaffected by as adults. The important thing is to see if there is a high or low concentration of these components in order to conclude if it is safe to use.

If your local source is regarded as safe to use, be sure always to use only the cold source and let the tap run for a couple of minutes before using it. This will ensure that any contaminating components, like lead or unhealthy metals, are avoided altogether.

Filtered

If your local supply proves to be unsafe, make sure to buy a filter for the tap. This option is inexpensive, efficient, and practical.

This will keep your baby safe and be beneficial for the entire family in the long haul. The downside is that it won’t be able to filter out every single contaminant in the water. The filter is best used for tap water which is not highly contaminated.

Fluoride

Unfortunately for parents everywhere, this component is most likely to be found in regular tap water. This issue cannot remain unresolved or ignored.

Anything containing a high level of fluoride can be harmful to the baby. It can take a toll on the baby’s gums and teeth. If your tap supply does contain a large concentration of fluoride, you need to opt for a new source of water for the baby formula.

If you want to be safe, be sure to check your local water utility for additional information.

Well

If you are a family, who gets their supply from a well you need to take some factors into consideration. Test your well supply for nitrates and high levels of iron as soon as you can. These components are typically found when the supply comes directly from wells.

It is not recommended to boil well water because it will only make it worse. The boiling would just make the levels of nitrates and iron increase and become more harmful.

Distilled

Distilled water is one of the safest options you can choose for your baby formula. A liquid which is distilled will almost entirely be free of contaminants. In addition, it is affordable and easy to find.

This practical solution can be found in grocery stores and pharmacies and can be stored in your home without taking up a lot of space.

The only downside is that distilled liquid has a specific taste to it, which your baby might not appreciate very much.

Bottled

Choosing bottled water is usually a great call because it is easily obtained and inexpensive. It has low fluoride levels and has typically been purified, distilled, and deionized.

Some grocery stores and pharmacies will have bottled supplies specifically made to be used for baby formula. They will be labeled as such so you won’t have trouble finding it.

Extra Tip

If you are traveling, avoid buying regular bottled water. Sometimes you won’t be able to read the labels in other languages, or your baby might not be used to a novel ingredient. In this case, it is always safer to try to find bottled water for nursing in the local pharmacy.

Boiling Correctly

A lot of healthcare departments recommend boiling your water before mixing it in with the formula. This guideline goes for both tap and bottled supplies.

The boiling should not take longer than one or two minutes, and the liquid should not come to its boiling point twice. Mix the cooled down fluid with formula when it is about 160 degrees F and you are good to go.

Storing

The correct storing techniques are not to be overlooked in this situation. If you opt for ready-made or bottled supplies, make sure to store them properly. Your supplies should never be exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Some issues are going to be more complex, and you might need additional information. To keep yourself in the loop, consult your local healthcare provider about the local source, ways of avoiding harmful ingredients, and how to accurately prepare baby formula.

Conclusion

As a parent, you need to find ways to keep your baby safe in all regards. Making sure the baby formula has all the right ingredients is just one important aspect of childcare. We have provided you with simple guidelines to help you find practical ways of obtaining healthy water for your baby.

The crucial part of resolving this issue lies in discovering the quality of your local supply and finding alternative sources if needed. Whether you opt for tap, filtered, distilled, or bottled supplies, you will need to find out whether they contain any contaminants beforehand.

Make sure to store, boil and cool down your water properly before mixing it in with the formula and consult your healthcare provider for any extra information you might need.

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